Robert Burns was emotional to receive his medal. Photo: Jesse Wood
More than half a century after completing his service, Robert Burn, 82, received his long-awaited New Zealand Defence Service Medal with a CMT (compulsory military training) clasp at Radius Windsor Court, Ōhaupō on Friday.
Resident Mark Hurrell, who served in the New Zealand military, took centre stage to read the Ode of Remembrance before a speech on the wartime nurses of WWI. He joined the Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport at the age of 18 and worked his way up from driver to sergeant.
RSA volunteer support worker Lance King led the event and spoke of the many conflicts that had followed the two world wars including the Korean War, the Malayan emergency, the Indonesian confrontation in Borneo, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and East Timor conflicts.
“Let us not forget these military personnel. They have also contributed to the peace and stability of our two Anzac nations. Their sacrifice has also been enormous,” Lance said.
In congratulating Robert Burns he explained the New Zealand Defence Service Medal was instituted in 2011 to recognise service since September 1945.
“Well done, Robert. We’d like to congratulate you and if there are any other people out here like Robert, who had no idea that he was entitled to the defence service medal, you need to step forward and take it.
“It’s something that he can now hand onto his children and grandchildren.”
Robert William Burn, rank driver and service number 368287, completed his compulsory military training having joined on May 6,1964 and finished on August 31, 1970.
Wife Lorraine’s family came from Auckland to celebrate.
RSA district support advisor Irene Wardlaw and RSA volunteer support worker Linda King presented Robert with his medal.
Lance and Linda had sent the medal application to the New Zaland Defence Force in Wellington after Easter weekend.
“We knew Robert had been in compulsory military training for over three years, so he was entitled to it,” Linda said.
“They then had to search the information that we gave. They found it was true and correct and sent the medal to us so it could be a surprise for Robert.
“He was in tears I noticed. He was proud of the fact that he got the medal and so are we.”
Robert Burns was emotional to receive his medal. Photo: Jesse Wood
